Change of travel advice for Syria

This news article was published under
the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

We advise against all travel to the city of Der’aa and the surrounding towns and villages; and against all travel to the city of Latakia.

There have been a number of anti-government demonstrations in other cities across Syria in recent days. They have been small in scale and have been quickly and in some cases forcibly dispersed by security forces. However, there have been reliable reports of live gunfire and a number of deaths in several locations.

We advise against all travel to the southern city of Der’aa and the surrounding towns and villages, including Tafas and Sanamiyn. Since Friday 18 March protests in Der’aa have resulted in a number of deaths, most recently on 26 March.

We advise against all travel to the coastal city of Latakia. Since Saturday 26 March there have been reports of disturbances and live gunfire in the city. At this stage, given the ongoing reports of shooting, we advise British nationals in the city to stay indoors and keep away from windows.

In Damascus and other cities there have also been large-scale peaceful pro-government demonstrations in support of the Syrian authorities, often including large numbers of cars and vans. In Damascus the focal point for these demonstrations has been Umawiyeen Square: routes leading to the square have become very congested, and in some cases the roads have been deliberately blocked or closed.

You should avoid all demonstrations of any kind, as they all have the potential to turn hostile, and you should be particularly vigilant in public places.